Dries Martens caused controversy with a push on Gary Cahill
They came; they saw; they lost! Many of the Belgian players said they were very happy to be finally playing at the mythical Wembley stadium, although Kevin Mirallas said he would have preferred to have played at the original. On the day, the Red Devils were not outplayed, far from it. They had more possession than England, they made many more passes than their opponents – Marc Wilmots would like to have then playing in the fashion of Barcelona – but they were undone, as usual, by an elementary error – this time by Moussa Dembélé, aided by Guillaume Gillet.
Wilmots had caused a few surprises by playing Eden Hazard in the number nine role, although slightly withdrawn. He also had Marouane Fellaini playing just behind the front three with Axel Witsel and Dembélé in front of the back four. Although this takes Witsel out of the attacking zones he loves, it’s where he played regularly for Benfica last season.
So, after 90 minutes, we had learnt that Belgium still make one or two errors that means they concede goals in every game and they still lack a centre forward worthy of the name. To be honest however, they didn’t try to find one at Wembley. Next time out for Belgium is a mid-August for a friendly in Brussels against their Dutch neighbours. That should be fun.
I’m already looking forward to the Netherlands friendly… feel it’s time to settle on Lukaku as the centre forward (fingers crossed he will play regularly at club level next season).
I think we’re a long way from settling on Lukaku as main striker. He has to play consistently well at club level and prove he’s better than alternatives such as Benteke.
Morning John!
Haven’t watched Benteke yet (shall go youtube him later and try to watch Genk games next season) but he and Lukaku seem very similar in physique and background!
Hi, I agree they look similar (except Benteke is 21). My main point is that Lukaku has not proved himself ready for the national team – who knows what the Chelsea experience has done to him. Benteke is an option and he played well in second half of last season. Others like Vossen, Vleminckx (especially), De Camargo all have question marks against their ability to play as main striker. Maybe someone like Dembele might work occasionally, in the same way that Hazard was tried vs England. I am not writing off Lukaku but he’s just one of several who have to make a step up.
Yep understood 🙂
Actually I am starting to fancy Dembele as a targetman… wonder if a 4-1-4-1 setup like this would work??
Dembele
Hazard – Fellaini – Witsel – Mertens
Vertonghen
Poconogli – Vermaelen – Kompany – Alderweireld
Mignolet